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about a number of cases where Hong Kong Chinese had committed
both criminal offences and breaches of the Immigration Act in
their country. The Japanese MFA seemed to be more inclined than
the Home departments to work out some sort of acceptable arrange-
ment and were impressed with Mr Royle's offer on behalf of the
Hong Kong Government to bear the repatriation costs of any Chinese
identified by the Japanese as undesirable. It appeared that
because of the objections of the Japanese Home departments the
approach was premature.
6. The continued dissatisfaction of the Hong Kong authorities
was brought to Mr Royle's attention on 10 January during a call on
him by Sir Sidney Gordon and Sir Y K Kan from Hong Kong. Mr Royle
said that efforts would be made to persuade the Japanese to change
their decision and he proposed a further approach by the Secretary
of State when he visits Tokyo in February.
7. There have been no indications of any recent change of heart
by the Japanese but it is possible that an approach by the
Secretary of State would result in an agreement to the technical
and domestic objections to the proposal being re-examined at
working level. It is recommended that the Secretary of State
takes the opportunity to express to the Japanese authorities the
keen desire of the Hong Kong Government that their Passport
Holders should be able to enter Japan without visas; their
willingness to cooperate over reciprocal and return arrangements
and to ask them to reconsider their refusal to admit holders of
Hong Kong passports without visas. The Secretary of State may
wish to express the view that the technical and administrative
problems connected with the proposal are capable of resolution and
/the
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